In the wake of concerns over a deadly swine disease that is already estimated to have killed millions of piglets in the United States, the EU Commission has green-lighted rules to restrict blood products used in pig feed.

The move comes in response to the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea virus (PEDv). PEDv is thought to have killed roughly 10 percent of pigs in the USA in the last 12 months. Piglets have been hit hardest, with fatality rates estimated to be between 80 and 100 percent.

The virus poses no risks to humans but experts believe the economic impact of a spread in Europe could be significant.

Spray dried pig plasma is found in feedstuffs to weaned piglets but the EU believe that could pose a risk and have consequently agreed to bolster rules on blood product imports from the US and other countries where the virus has taken a foothold.

Explaining, Dr Bernard Vallat of the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), said:

“The feed is suspected. Blood from slaughterhouses with insufficient heat treatment is suspected to be the origin. We don’t have a scientific publication on that but it is highly suspected.

“It circulated before in Europe but it was a different strain. If there is some remaining circulating virus there is a possibility that animals would be protected – but it is not sure.”

Reacting to the news, The Yorkshire Pig, a hog roast catering company that sources pigs locally, agreed that restriction on blood in feed is a necessary measure to prevent the spread of PEDv in the UK and Europe.

A representative for The Yorkshire Pig said:

“The effects of PEDv in the United States have been devastating, causing an untold amount of economic damage. It’s important for the UK and the EU to do all that can be done to minimise the threat that this disease poses to British farmers.

“As Yorkshire’s top hog roast caterer we depend on local British farmers to source the tastiest pigs and we know from speaking to our independent suppliers just how devastating this disease would be to their herd and their livelihoods if it took hold here.”

But the company was quick to stress that there’s no need for shoppers or catering customers in the UK to worry as the pigs on sale here are wholly safe.

“Thankfully in the UK the pigs on sale still taste as good as British pork always has and that’s true whether you’re shopping at the supermarket or having a hog roast – especially when you’re having a hog roast!”

The Yorkshire Pig is a company with a passion for all things pig roast related. They offer set and bespoke spit roast menus for a plethora of events, including parties, business functions and weddings, as well as a fantastic machine hire service. More information is available at www.hogroastsyorkshire.co.uk.